The Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) commissioned a utility-scale solar array to reduce energy expenses while increasing sustainability across its wastewater operations. The 3,840-module solar system was energized in 2023 and is projected to save LRWRA approximately $100,000 annually in energy costs. This 1.25 MW AC array complements the utility’s existing biogas generation system so that over 40 % of LRWRA’s energy needs are met by renewable sources.

LRWRA serves more than 71,000 homes and businesses across a service area that includes about 1,400 miles of sewer pipe. The utility is responsible for collection and treatment and returns water to the Arkansas River at quality levels seven times cleaner than the river itself.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

LRWRA identified rising energy costs as a budget pressure that conflicted with its long-term capital improvement goals — including system upgrades, capacity expansions, and modernization of aging infrastructure. To address this, LRWRA pursued an on-site solar solution to:

• Reduce reliance on utility grid power

• Lower annual operating expenses

• Support long-term sustainability goals

• Free up funding for infrastructure improvements

Entegrity Energy Partners designed, installed, and now oversees the operation of the solar array, integrating it into the utility’s energy portfolio alongside its existing biogas generation system.

RESULTS

The solar array contributes meaningful operational and environmental benefits, including:

• Estimated $100,000 in annual energy cost savings

• 2.850 GWh of clean energy produced annually

• Renewable generation supporting 40 %+ of LRWRA’s energy needs

• Emissions reductions equivalent to the yearly usage of 254 homes or avoiding the burning of 2,234,665+ pounds of coal